Devarishi Pulastya
Other names: Paulastya. One of Brahma’s mind-born Prajapatis and a Saptarishi of the first Manvantara. He is remembered as a transmitter of Purana knowledge, receiving the Vishnu Purana from Brahma and passing it to Parasara, and as the father of Vishravas, making him the ancestor of Kubera, Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana.
“O tiger among kings, the sons of Pulastya of great wisdom are Rakshasas, Monkeys, Kinnaras (half-men and half-horses), and Yakshas.” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section LXVI
“Pulastya said, ‘O son, listen with attention. I will tell thee of the merit which attacheth to tirthas and which constituth the refuge of the Rishis. He whose hands and feet and mind and knowledge and asceticism and acts are under wholesome control, enjoyeth the fruits of tirthas. He who has ceased to accept gifts, he that is contented, he that is free from pride enjoys the fruits of tirthas. He that is without sin, he that acts without purpose, he that eats light, he that has his senses under control, he that is free from every sin, enjoys the fruits of tirthas. O king, he that is free from anger, he that adhereth to truth, he that is firm in vows, he that regardeth all creatures as his own self, enjoyeth the fruits of tirthas.” – The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section LXXXII
